CN111267677A

CN111267677A - Seat assembly

Info

Publication number: CN111267677A
Application number: CN201911164411.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿尔俊·叶图库瑞; 马克·韦弗; 卡尔·亨; 姆拉登·胡沫
Original assignee: Lear Corp
Current assignee: Lear Corp
Priority date: 2018-12-04
Filing date: 2019-11-25
Publication date: 2020-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2039-11-25
Also published as: US20200171979A1; DE102019218575A1; US11124090B2; CN111267677B

Abstract

The present application relates to a seat assembly comprising a seat, one or more sensor assemblies and/or an electronic control unit which may be connected to the one or more sensor assemblies. The one or more sensor assemblies may provide information regarding the first position of the seat to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to receive the second position of the seat, and/or the electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the seat to the second position without contacting other objects. The electronic control unit may include a second seat, and/or the electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the second seat from a first position of the second seat to a second position of the second seat. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine a path of movement of the seat based on information from the one or more sensor assemblies.

Description

Seat assembly

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a seat assembly including a seat assembly usable in conjunction with a vehicle.

Background

This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing a context only. Thus, any aspect described in this background is neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art to the present disclosure to the extent that it is not otherwise proven prior art.

Some seat assemblies may be relatively complex and/or may not provide adequate functionality. Some seat assemblies may not be configured to automatically move the seat within the vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a need for a solution/option that minimizes or eliminates one or more challenges or drawbacks of the seat assembly. The foregoing discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of examples in the art and should not be considered as a disavowal of scope.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, the seat assembly may include a seat, one or more sensor assemblies, and/or an electronic control unit that may be connected to the one or more sensor assemblies. The one or more sensor assemblies may provide information regarding the first position of the seat to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to receive the second position of the seat, and/or the electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the seat to the second position (e.g., without contacting other objects). The seat assembly may include a second seat, and/or the electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the second seat from a first position of the second seat to a second position of the second seat. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine a path of movement of the seat based on information from the one or more sensor assemblies. The path of movement may not intersect the second position of the second seat. Automatically moving the second seat from the first position to the second position may include rotating the second seat such that the second seat does not intersect the path of movement. The electronic control unit may be configured to analyze information from the one or more sensor assemblies to determine the first position of the second seat.

According to an embodiment, the one or more sensor assemblies may include a proximity sensor (proximity sensor) of a seat and/or a proximity sensor of a second seat. The seat assembly may comprise another seat, such as a second seat and/or a third seat; wherein automatically moving the seat to the second position comprises moving at least one of the second seat and/or the third seat. The seat assembly may include a console (console), and/or the electronic control unit may be configured to move the console to facilitate movement of the seat from the first position to the second position. The electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the seat longitudinally, rotationally, vertically, and/or angularly.

According to an embodiment, the electronic control unit may be configured to automatically move the seat longitudinally, laterally, rotationally, vertically and angularly.

In embodiments, the seat assembly may include a plurality of seats, and/or a plurality of seats may include the seat. The one or more sensor components may include one or more occupancy sensors. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine whether the plurality of seats are occupied by one or more occupancy sensors. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine a path of movement of the plurality of seats based on user input. When determining the movement path, the electronic control unit may be configured to prioritize movement of the unoccupied seat over movement of the occupied seat. The one or more sensor components may include a camera, a proximity sensor, and/or an occupancy sensor. The one or more sensor assemblies may include a sensor disposed at a front of the vehicle.

According to embodiments, a method of moving a seat assembly may include providing one or more sensor assemblies, and/or providing a plurality of seats that may include a first seat. The method may include providing an electronic control unit, which may be configured to control movement of the plurality of seats. The method may include receiving a user input of a second position of the first seat. The method may include determining a first position of the first seat, and/or determining a suggested path of movement of the first seat from the first position directly to the second position. The method may include determining a final path of movement of the first seat from the first position to the second position, which may not contact other seats of the plurality of seats. The method may include moving the first seat to the second position.

In an embodiment, the method may include moving a second seat of the plurality of seats from a first position of the second seat that may intersect the proposed path of movement to a second position of the second seat that may not intersect the proposed path of movement, and/or the proposed path of movement and the final path of movement may be the same. The method may include moving a second seat of the plurality of seats from a first position of the second seat that may intersect the proposed path of movement to a second position of the second seat that may not intersect the proposed path of movement, and/or the proposed path of movement and the final path of movement may not be the same. Moving the first seat may include at least one and/or both of longitudinal movement, rotational movement, vertical movement, and/or angular movement of the first seat. The method may comprise providing a second seat and/or a third seat, and/or determining whether to occupy the second seat. Determining the final movement path may include prioritizing movement of the third seat over the second seat.

According to an embodiment, moving the first seat may comprise at least two of longitudinal movement, lateral movement, rotational movement, vertical movement and angular movement of the first seat.

According to an embodiment, the method may comprise providing an object, and/or moving the object such that the object does not intersect the final movement path. The first position of the first seat may comprise a body of an occupant of the first seat.

According to embodiments, the first position of the first seat may comprise a physical space occupied by the first seat and a body of an occupant of the first seat.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description and reviewing the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figure 1A is a top view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 1B is a top view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a seat assembly in various positions according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F are side views generally illustrating portions of embodiments of seat assemblies in various positions in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 2A is a schematic diagram generally illustrating the connection of an embodiment of an electronic control unit of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figure 2B is a schematic diagram generally illustrating the connection of an embodiment of an electronic control unit of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart generally illustrating an embodiment of a method of operating a seat assembly.

Fig. 4A, 4B, and 4C are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6A, 6B, and 6C are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figures 7A and 7B are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are top views generally illustrating an embodiment of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

Detailed description of the invention

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

In an embodiment such as that generally illustrated in fig. 1A, the seat assembly 20 may include one or more seats 30, such as a first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄. The seats 30 may each include a seat base 32 and/or a seat back 34 (see, e.g., fig. 1C-1F). First seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄May be disposed within the vehicle 36 and/or coupled to a mounting surface 38 (e.g., a vehicle floor, as shown in fig. 1C-1F). In an embodiment, one or more seats 30 may be configured to move (e.g., longitudinally, laterally/laterally, vertically, rotationally, angularly, etc.). The seats 30 may be disposed proximate to each other and/or to other objects such that the seat 30 may contact another seat 30 and/or object 48 (e.g., cargo item, console, vehicle structure, etc.) when moving. It may be desirable to avoid contact between seat 30 and/or other object 48. Additionally or alternatively, at least initially, other seats 30 and/or one or more objects 48 may be provided such that the other seats 30 and/or one or more objects 48 may impede or prevent movement of a particular seat 30.

According to an embodiment, seat 30 may be moved in response to a user input. For example, and without limitation, vehicle 36 may be an autonomous vehicle that a driver may not need to drive, and the driver may wish to move seat 30 to a different position so as to face one or more other seats 30 (e.g., the driver may not be actively driving vehicle 36).

In an embodiment, seat assembly 20 may include an Electronic Control Unit (ECU)40, where Electronic Control Unit (ECU)40 may be configured to control seat 30 (e.g., first seat 30)₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄) Is moved. The ECU40 may be connected to and/or integrated with the vehicle electronics system. As generally illustrated in fig. 2A and 2B, the ECU40 may be connected to the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄A seat actuator 42 (e.g., an electric motor). The ECU40 may be configured as, for example, a rootVia an actuator 42 (e.g., actuator 42) according to input from a user₁、42₂、42₃、42₄) Automatically moving the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄. ECU40 may be configured to automatically move first seat 30 without any input from a user₁. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may configure the first seat 30 when the user (e.g., driver) is no longer in control of the vehicle 36₁To a more comfortable position. Additionally or alternatively, ECU40 may be configured to automatically move seat 30 without direct user input. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may be configured to move one or more seats 30 (e.g., to a more comfortable position and/or facing other occupied seats 30) once the driver is no longer actively driving the vehicle 36.

In the embodiments generally shown in fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F, the movement of seat 30 may include one or more of a plurality of different types of movement. The first type of movement may include tilting/angling (angling) the seat base 32 and/or tilting/angling the seat back 34. The ECU40 may move/tilt the seat back 34 between a substantially horizontal position (see, e.g., fig. 1D) and a substantially vertical position (see, e.g., fig. 1E and 1F). Additionally or alternatively, the ECU40 may be configured to move the seat base 32 between a substantially horizontal position (see, e.g., fig. 1C and 1D) and a substantially vertical position (see, e.g., fig. 1F). First seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄May include a position in which both the seat back 34 and the seat base 32 may be substantially vertical (see, e.g., fig. 1F). First seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄May include a position in which both the seat back 34 and the seat base 32 may be substantially horizontal. Additionally or alternatively, the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄May include a position between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position, such as in connection with the second seat 30 in FIG. 1A₂And a third seat 30₃Roughly the position shown.

In embodiments such as generally shown in fig. 1C, 1D, and 1E, the ECU40 may be configured to control the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄In the vertical direction V. For example, and without limitation, the ECU40 may enable the seat 30 to be movable between a lower vertical position (see, e.g., fig. 1C) and an upper vertical position (see, e.g., fig. 1D). In an embodiment, ECU40 may be configured to control movement of seat 30 in a longitudinal direction L (see, e.g., fig. 1D) and/or a lateral/transverse direction T, which may be substantially perpendicular to longitudinal direction and/or vertical direction V.

According to an embodiment such as that generally illustrated in fig. 1B, ECU40 may be configured to control the rotational movement of seat 30. The ECU40 may be configured to configure the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄Rotated (e.g., relative to the initial/forward direction) to a plurality of angular positions, such as about 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 360 degrees, and/or positions in between or other than these positions. The ECU40 may be configured to rotate the first seat 30 in a clockwise direction and/or a counterclockwise direction₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄. For example, but not limited to, the first seat 30₁Can rotate clockwise (e.g., theta)₁May be about 150 degrees), second seat 30₂May be rotated counterclockwise (e.g., theta)₂May be about 75 degrees), third seat 30₃May be rotated counterclockwise (e.g., theta)₃May be about 330 degrees), and/or fourth seat 30₄Can rotate clockwise (e.g., theta)₄May be approximately 225 degrees) which may include the seat 30 facing generally toward the center of the vehicle 36 (see, e.g., fig. 1B). In embodiments, the rotation of the seat 30 may be transverse/lateralThe movement and/or the longitudinal movement occur simultaneously. Such movement may result in a generally elongated and/or elliptical path of movement for seat 30.

In an embodiment, the seat assembly 20 may include one or more sensor assemblies 44, each of which may include one or more sensors, such as a proximity sensor 50, a camera 52, and/or an occupancy sensor 54, among others. First sensor assembly 44₁A second sensor assembly 44₂A third sensor assembly 44₃And/or fourth sensor assembly 44₄Can be respectively connected to the first seats 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄. For example, but not limiting of, the sensors of the sensor assembly 44 may be disposed in the respective seat 30 and/or attached to an exterior surface of the respective seat 30 (e.g., the seat base 32 and/or the seat back 34). Sensor assembly 44 may include a plurality of sensors that may be disposed at different portions of respective seat 30. Alternatively, the sensor assembly 44 may include a single sensor.

According to an embodiment, sensor assembly 44 may be configured to sense (e.g., measure, obtain, collect, detect, etc.) information about one or more seats 30, one or more objects 48, and/or about the mounting location of seats 30 (e.g., about vehicle 36). For example, and without limitation, sensor assembly 44 may be configured to sense a distance between two (or more) chairs 30, between a chair 30 and an object 48, and/or between two (or more) objects and/or objects 48. The ECU40 may be connected to one or more sensor assemblies 44 to determine a position and/or distance between the seat 30 and/or the object 48 in the vehicle 36, for example, via proximity sensors 50 (e.g., ultrasonic sensors, capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, etc.).

According to embodiments generally illustrated in fig. 1A, 1B, and 2A, for example, the sensor assembly 44 may include a camera 52. The camera 52 may be used to capture an interior 58 of the vehicle 36 (e.g., the first seat 30)₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or object 48). For example, but not limiting of, the camera 52 may be disposed at the front of the vehicle 36, on the ceiling of the vehicle 36, and/or at the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄And (4) upward. The ECU40 may be connected to the camera 52 and/or the ECU40 may receive information from the camera 52. This information may be in the form of an image that ECU40 may use to determine the position of seat 30 and/or object 48 in vehicle 36. The ECU40 may utilize image processing to create a map (e.g., a two-dimensional map, a three-dimensional map, etc.) of the interior 58 of the vehicle 36 from the information/images provided by the camera 52. In an embodiment, the sensor assembly 44 may include more than one camera 52.

In an embodiment such as that generally illustrated in fig. 2A, the sensor assembly 44 may include an occupancy sensor 54. The occupancy sensor 54 may be configured to determine whether the seat 30 is occupied by, for example, an occupant 56. The occupancy sensor 54 may be configured to determine whether a particular seat 30 is occupied, whether all seats 30 are occupied, and/or whether multiple seats 30 are occupied. First seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄A respective occupancy sensor 54 may be included. The occupancy sensor 54 may be a force sensor (e.g., configured to sense a force exerted on the seat base 32). Additionally or alternatively, the ECU40 may be configured to receive information from the camera 52 to determine the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄Whether it is occupied or not.

According to the embodiment as generally illustrated in fig. 2A and 2B, the ECU40 may be connected to one or more sensor assemblies 44. In an embodiment, seats 30 may each include one or more sensor assemblies 44 that may be connected to ECU 40. ECU40 may be connected to first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄An actuator 42 (e.g., a motor). ECU40 may control actuator 42 to control first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄For example, vertical, longitudinal, rotational and/or angular/tilt movement.

In an embodiment, ECU40 may be configured to determine a position (e.g., a current position) of seat 30 based on information from one or more sensor assemblies 44. Determining the position may include determining a tilt/angle position, a longitudinal position, a vertical position, a rotational position, and/or a physical space of the seat 30. The one or more sensor assemblies 44 may detect the body (e.g., legs, arms, etc.) of the occupant 56. In determining the position and/or movement of seat 30, ECU40 may consider and/or compensate for the body of occupant 56. The body of the occupant 56 may be included in the location of the seat 30 such that the ECU40 may move the seat 30 such that the body of the occupant 56 does not contact other seats 30 in the vehicle 36, the bodies of other occupants 56, and/or the object 48.

In an embodiment, the ECU40 may be connected to one or more sensor assemblies 44 to detect objects 48 (e.g., cargo items, consoles, vehicle structures, etc.) in the vehicle 36 and/or the ECU40 may include the objects 48 in a map of the vehicle interior 58.

In an embodiment, the ECU40 may include various functions and/or capabilities for sensing and/or moving the seat 30 and/or object 48 within the vehicle 36. ECU40 may be configured to determine first seat 30 via information from one or more sensor assemblies 44₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or a first/current location of one or more objects 48 (see, e.g., fig. 3). One or more sensor assemblies 44 may provide relative distance information (e.g., between subject 48/seat 30) to ECU 40. The ECU40 may analyze the relative distance information to map the position of each seat 30 relative to the interior 58 (e.g., passenger compartment) of the vehicle 36.

In an embodiment such as that generally illustrated in fig. 3, a method 100 of moving a seat 30 may include ECU40 receiving a signal from a user (e.g., from a first seat 30)₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄Occupant 56) (step 102). The input may include the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄A desired position and/or a desired movement. The ECU40 may be connected to a user interface 60 (e.g., an electronic user interface), which user interface 60 may facilitate receiving input from a user. For example, but not limiting of, user interface 60 may be buttons, switches, a joystick, a microphone for voice commands, a speaker, a display, and/or a touch screen, which may be connected to ECU40 and/or one or more seats 30. Additionally and optionally, user interface 60 may be configured to read gestures (e.g., sign language, intuitive gestures, etc.) directed at camera 52 and/or a sensing pad on seat 30, such as generally described in commonly owned U.S. patent 9,383,872, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Portions of user interface 60 may be disposed in a central location (e.g., on a vehicle dashboard), and/or portions of user interface 60 may be disposed on or in seat 30. Occupant 56 may input a desired movement and/or position of seat 30 via user interface 60. The user interface 60 may include preset positions from which the occupant 56 may select and/or the occupant 56 may interact with the user interface 60 until a desired position is reached.

According to an embodiment, ECU40 may receive information from one or more sensor assemblies 44 (step 104) to determine occupant inputs (e.g., from first seat 30)₁Input of a seated occupant 56) determines the seat 30 (e.g., the first seat 30)₁) The proposed movement path (step 106). The suggested movement path may be the most efficient and/or direct path from the current location to the desired location. The ECU40 may determine the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or a first/current location of one or more objects 48 (step 108). The ECU40 may determine the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or whether the object 48 intersects the suggested movement path (step 110). If the ECU40 determines thatFirst seat 30₁Will be able to move freely (e.g., without contact) along the suggested path of movement, ECU40 may determine the suggested path of movement as a final path of movement and move first seat 30 from the first position along the final path of movement₁(step 116).

If the movement path is not clear, the ECU40 may (i) determine a new/second movement path (e.g., iteratively) (step 112); (ii) other seats (30)₂，30₃，30₄) (ii) moving out of the way of the desired movement path (step 114), and/or (iii) determining a new/second movement path and moving the other seats (30)₂，30₃，30₄) To a second position (steps 112 and 114). If the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or the object 48 intersects the proposed path of travel, the ECU40 may determine not to contact the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or a second path of movement of the object 48. The ECU40 may move the first seat 30 along a first movement path₁Until a point of contact or until a predetermined gap is reached (e.g., no actual contact), and/or first seat 30 may be moved along a second path of movement₁. If the desired movement or position cannot be achieved, for example, if the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or the subject 48 cannot move out of the path of movement, the ECU40 may notify the occupant 56 with a visual and/or audible warning, for example, via the user interface 60. In an embodiment, occupant 56 may manually override and/or stop movement of seat 30 via user interface 60 (e.g., with a stop button, switch, voice command, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, the ECU40 may determine the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or whether the object 48 may be moved to a second location that does not intersect the suggested movement path. If such movement is possible, the ECU40 may position the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or the object 48 is moved to the second position. At the second seat30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or after the subject 48 is in the second position and no longer intersects the suggested path of movement, the ECU40 may move the first seat 30 along the suggested path of movement₁. In an embodiment, the ECU40 may move multiple seats 30 and/or one or more objects 48 simultaneously. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may be implemented in the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or object 48 moves out of intersection with the proposed path of travel (e.g., to a second position), moving first seat 30 along the proposed path of travel₁。

According to an embodiment, the ECU40 may determine a new movement path, and the ECU40 may determine a new movement path for the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or a second position of at least one of the objects 48, such that the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or the second position of the object 48 does not intersect the new/second movement path. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may determine the seat to be used for the first seat 30₁A movement scheme to the second position, which may include moving the first seat 30 along a second movement path₁And the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or at least one of the objects 48 to a second position.

In the embodiment generally illustrated, for example, in fig. 4A-8C, the ECU40 may receive input from the occupant 56 via the user interface 60 to move to a desired position and/or in a desired direction of movement (which may effectively be a series of inputs of a desired position). For example, and without limitation, the occupant 56 may wish to move longitudinally (see, e.g., fig. 4A) and/or rotationally (see, e.g., fig. 5A and 6A). The ECU40 may determine the suggested movement path based on input from the user interface 60. The suggested movement path may include a longitudinal movement toward the rear 62 of the vehicle 36 (see, e.g., fig. 4A), and/or the suggested movement path includes a rotational movement, e.g., in a clockwise direction (see, e.g., fig. 5A and 6A). The suggested path of movement may include lateral/transverse movement of seat 30 (see, e.g., fig. 6A), rotation of seat 30, and/or longitudinal movement of seat 30, some or all of which may occur simultaneously. The combination of lateral/transverse and/or longitudinal movement and rotational movement may result in a generally elliptical path of movement (deformation path) for seat 30.

According to an embodiment, the ECU40 may determine the second seat 30 through one or more sensor assemblies 44₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or a current location (e.g., a first location) of the object 48. The ECU40 may determine the second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or whether object 48 is in contact with first seat 30₁The proposed movement paths of (c) intersect. In the embodiment, if the second seat 30₂And a first seat 30₁And/or the ECU40 may determine the second seat 30₂Whether or not it can be moved to the first seat 30₁To a second position outside the proposed movement path. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may rotate (e.g., see fig. 4B) and/or pivot the second seat 30₂Longitudinally (see, e.g., fig. 5B) to a second position. Additionally or alternatively, a second seat 30₂Moving to the second position may include tilting the seat back 34 and/or the seat base 32 (see, e.g., FIG. 6B) such that the second seat 30₂Not in contact with the first seat 30₁The proposed movement paths of (c) intersect. Once the second seat 30 is in place₂In the second position (e.g., a position that does not intersect the proposed path of movement), the ECU40 may move the first seat 30 along the proposed path of movement₁(see, e.g., fig. 4C, 5C, and 6C).

In the embodiment, in the first seat 30₁After being in the second position, the ECU40 may determine the second seat 30₂Whether it is possible to return to the first position. The ECU40 may store the second seat 30₂And/or the ECU40 may determine the location of the first position for the second seat 30₂A return path moving from the second position back to the first position. If the return path is not with the first seat 30₁The third seatChair 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or the object 48, the ECU40 may configure the second seat 30₂Move back to the first position (see, e.g., fig. 4C, 5C, and 6C). If the return path is with the first seat 30₁A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or the subject 48, the ECU40 may mount the second seat 30 without contact₂As close as possible to the first position.

In an embodiment, when more than one seat 30 intersects the desired path of movement for a particular seat 30, the ECU40 may prioritize the movement of unoccupied seats over the movement of occupied seats. For example, but not limiting of, ECU40 may receive information from fourth seat 30 via user interface 60₄To move to a desired position and/or to move in a desired direction of movement. The ECU40 may determine the fourth seat 30₄The proposed movement path of (2). The ECU40 may determine the first seat 30 via one or more sensor assemblies 44 (e.g., one or more occupancy sensors 54)₁And a second seat 30₂May be occupied, and a third seat 30₃May be unoccupied. The ECU40 may determine the first seat 30₁A second seat 30₂And/or a third seat 30₃And the ECU40 may determine the fourth seat 30₄And the second seat 30₂And a third seat 30₃And (4) intersecting. According to an embodiment, if the second seat 30₂Or a third seat 30₃Moves to the second position (see, e.g., fig. 8A), the ECU40 may determine that the fourth seat 30 is present₄May be moved to a desired location. The ECU40 may make the third seat 30₃(unoccupied seat) instead of moving the second seat 30₂(occupied seat) movement. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may rotationally and/or longitudinally orient the third seat 30 in a counterclockwise direction toward the rear of the vehicle 36₃To a second position, thereby allowing the fourth seat 30₄Rotationally and/or longitudinally to a desired position (see, e.g., fig. 8B). Once the third seat 30₃In the second position, the ECU40 may be actuatedFour seats 30₄Move to a desired position (see, e.g., fig. 8C).

According to an embodiment as generally illustrated in fig. 1C, 1D, and 7A, the ECU40 may be configured to move the first seat 30 vertically₁A second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃And/or fourth seat 30₄. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may move the seat 30 from a first vertical position (fig. 1C) to a second vertical position (fig. 1D). The ECU40 may receive the first seat 30 from the first seat₁The user interface 60 receives a desired movement path and/or a desired position. Second seat 30₂A third seat 30₃ Fourth seat 30₄And/or the object 48 may be associated with the first seat 30₁Intersect. In an embodiment, the object 48 may be a console of the vehicle 36. The ECU40 may vertically move the first seat 30₁So that the subject 48 may not be in contact with the first seat 30₁Intersect (see, e.g., fig. 7A, where the first seat 30 is a first seat₁Generally illustrated as a dashed ring). In the embodiment, the first seat 30₁May include (i) raising the first seat 30₁(ii) rotating and/or longitudinally moving the first seat 30₁And/or (iii) attaching the first seat 30₁And is lowered back to the original height.

Additionally or alternatively, the ECU40 may automatically move the object 48 (e.g., a console). The ECU40 may be connected to the subject 48 such that the ECU40 may move the subject 48 in the longitudinal direction. The ECU40 may determine that the object 48 may intersect the desired movement path (see, e.g., fig. 7B), and may move the object 48 to the second location. For example, but not limiting of, the ECU40 may move the subject 48 out of the first seat 30 in a longitudinal direction toward the rear 62 of the vehicle 36₁The desired movement path.

It should be appreciated that although the embodiment of the seat assembly 20 is illustrated with substantially four seats 30, the seat assembly 20 may include any number of seats 30 and/or objects 48 arranged in a variety of configurations.

According to an embodiment, the ECU40 may be configured to store the requested movement and/or the determined movement path. The ECU40 may be configured to identify whether the requested movement is the same as or similar to a previously requested movement, and may determine a movement path using the corresponding previously determined movement path (e.g., through machine learning).

In embodiments, the ECU40 may include electronic controllers and/or include electronic processors, such as programmable microprocessors and/or microcontrollers. In an embodiment, the ECU40 may include, for example, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The ECU40 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable storage medium), and/or an input/output (I/O) interface. The ECU40 may be configured to perform various functions, including those described in greater detail herein, using suitable programming instructions and/or code embodied in software, hardware, and/or other media. In an embodiment, the ECU40 may include a plurality of controllers. In an embodiment, the ECU40 may be connected to a display, such as a touch screen display.

Various embodiments for various devices, systems, and/or methods are described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the general structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to "various embodiments," "according to an embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "an embodiment," or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "according to embodiments," "in embodiments," or "embodiments" or the like appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic shown or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation, as long as such combination is not illogical or functional. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It will be understood that reference to a single element is not necessarily so limited, and may include one or more such elements. Any directional references (e.g., positive (plus), negative (minus), upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the embodiments.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. Thus, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of "for example" in this specification is to be construed broadly and used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. The use of "and" or "should be interpreted broadly (e.g., as" and/or "). For example, and not by way of limitation, the use of "and" does not necessarily require all of the elements or features listed, and the use of "or" is intended to be inclusive unless such a configuration is illogical.

Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that the methods may be practiced with steps in a different order, with certain steps being performed, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps being omitted.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the disclosure.

It should be understood that the Electronic Control Unit (ECU)40, system, and/or processor as described herein may include conventional processing devices known in the art that may be capable of executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory, all of which perform in accordance with the functions described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are implemented in software, the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and can also constitute means for performing such methods. Such a system or processor may also be of the type having both ROM, RAM, a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, such that any software may be stored and still allow dynamically generated data and/or signals to be stored and processed.

It should be further understood that an article of manufacture in accordance with the present disclosure may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having encoded thereon a computer program for implementing the logic and other functionality described herein. The computer program may comprise code for performing one or more of the methods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute one or more processors, multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed over and connected together by a communication network, and/or where the network may be wired or wireless. Code to implement one or more of the features described in connection with one or more embodiments may, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors (transistors) to change from a first state to a second state. The particular mode of change (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors do not change) may be specified, at least in part, by logic and/or code.

Claims

1. A seat assembly, comprising:

a seat;

one or more sensor components; and

an electronic control unit connected to the one or more sensor assemblies;

wherein the one or more sensor assemblies are configured to provide information to the electronic control unit regarding a first position of the seat; the electronic control unit is configured to receive a second position of the seat; and the electronic control unit is configured to automatically move the seat to the second position.

2. The seat assembly of claim 1, comprising a second seat; wherein the electronic control unit is configured to automatically move the second seat from a first position of the second seat to a second position of the second seat.

3. The seat assembly of claim 2 wherein the electronic control unit is configured to determine a path of movement of the seat based on information from the one or more sensor assemblies.

4. The seat assembly of claim 3 wherein the path of movement does not intersect the second position of the second seat.

5. The seat assembly of claim 3, wherein automatically moving the second seat from the first position of the second seat to the second position of the second seat comprises rotating the second seat such that the second seat does not intersect the path of movement.

6. The seat assembly of claim 2 wherein the electronic control unit is configured to analyze information from the one or more sensor assemblies to determine the first position of the second seat.

7. The seat assembly of claim 2 wherein the one or more sensor assemblies comprise a first proximity sensor of the seat and a second proximity sensor of the second seat.

8. The seat assembly of claim 1, comprising a second seat and a third seat; wherein automatically moving the seat to the second position comprises moving at least one of the second seat and the third seat.

9. The seat assembly of claim 1, comprising a console; wherein the electronic control unit is configured to move the console to facilitate movement of the seat from the first position to the second position.

10. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the electronic control unit is configured to automatically move the seat longitudinally, laterally, rotationally, vertically, and angularly.

11. The seat assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality of seats; wherein the plurality of seats includes the seat; the one or more sensor components include one or more occupancy sensors; the electronic control unit is configured to determine whether the plurality of seats are occupied by the one or more occupancy sensors; the electronic control unit is configured to determine movement paths of the plurality of seats according to user input; and when the movement path is determined, the electronic control unit is configured to prioritize movement of unoccupied seats over movement of occupied seats.

12. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the one or more sensor assemblies include a camera, a proximity sensor, and an occupancy sensor.

13. The seat assembly of claim 1 wherein the one or more sensor assemblies comprise a sensor disposed at a front of a vehicle.

14. A method of moving a seat assembly, the method comprising:

providing one or more sensor assemblies;

providing a plurality of seats including a first seat;

providing an electronic control unit configured to control movement of the plurality of seats;

receiving a user input of a second position of the first seat;

determining a first position of the first seat;

determining a suggested path of movement of the first seat from the first position directly to the second position;

determining a final path of movement of the first seat from the first position to the second position without contacting other seats of the plurality of seats; and is

Moving the first seat to the second position.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising moving a second seat of the plurality of seats from a first position of the second seat intersecting the proposed path of movement to a second position of the second seat not intersecting the proposed path of movement; and the proposed movement path and the final movement path are the same.

16. The method of claim 14, comprising moving a second seat of the plurality of seats from a first position of the second seat intersecting the proposed path of movement to a second position of the second seat not intersecting the proposed path of movement; and the proposed movement path and the final movement path are not the same.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein moving the first seat comprises at least two of longitudinal movement, lateral movement, rotational movement, vertical movement, and angular movement of the first seat.

18. The method of claim 14, comprising:

providing a second seat and a third seat; and is

Determining that the second seat is occupied;

wherein determining the final movement path comprises prioritizing movement of the third seat over the second seat.

19. The method of claim 14, comprising providing an object; and moving the object such that the object does not intersect the final movement path; wherein the object comprises a vehicle console.

20. The method of claim 14, the first position of the first seat comprising a physical space occupied by the first seat and a body of an occupant of the first seat.